By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.

Richmond Hill fire chief retiring

Catlett to spend more time with family

Richmond Hill Mayor Russ Carpenter, right, thanks Richmond Hill Fire Chief Ralph Catlett for his service during Tuesday night's city council meeting. Catlett is retiring after 45 years as a firefighter, the last four in Richmond Hill.
- photo by Jeff Whitten

Catlett, who
joined the department in 2014, has 45 years as a firefighter in both
civilian departments and while serving in the Air Force.

His retirement will be
effective Jan. 1, but he’s already started taking vacation.

Catlett said
he plans on spending more time with his family, which includes his wife Cindi and
grandchildren, as well getting in some fishing, hunting and golf.

“It’s just
time, after 45 years in the fire service, it’s time to spend more time with my
family,” Catlett said after Tuesday’s council meeting, during which Division
Chief David Williams presented Catlett with his chief’s helmet.

City
councilwoman Jan Bass said the council “couldn’t have made a better choice" when its members appointed Catlett, who replaced the late Vernon Rushing, the department’s
founder.

Carpenter,
along with Bass and Tara Baraniak, and city manager Chris Lovell, praised Catlett’s leadership.

“You brought
a professionalism and dedication to this city that was exemplary,” Carpenter
said.

Baraniak
wasn’t on the council when Catlett was appointed, but said the chief was
the epitome of a professional and she’s sad to see him go. She thanked him for his service.

“The next person
who takes your job is going to have big shoes to fill,” Baraniak said.

Catlett said
he’s proudest of helping the city lower its ISO rating from 5 to just over 3
and RHFD’s work in the community, to include programs for kids, as well as working
with the council during a time in which the city weathered two hurricanes.

Bass, who
seemed about to break into tears, said Catlett’s willingness to work with other
departments helped improve relationships between the city and county.

“You brought
us together,” Bass said “Thank you very much.”

Police Chief
Mitch Shores said Catlett helped him settle in when he first took over the
police department in 2016.

“That man
has been invaluable help to me,” Shores said. “If I had to describe him in one
word, I would use class.”

Catlett said
it’s been a good ride.

“I
thoroughly enjoyed my time here,” he said.

A successor wasn't named at Tuesday's meeting. The council met in executive session for a personnel matter, but Carpenter said no action would be taken Tuesday night.